Yuguan Mountain was famous in the capital for two attractions: the polo field and the hunting grounds.
The area was bustling year-round, especially the polo field, which required advance reservations.
The grandeur and privilege of aristocratic families were evident here. Such places were out of reach not only for commoners but even for wealthy merchants without noble connections.
Take the Duan family of Jiangcheng, for example—without an introduction from high-ranking officials or nobility, they could never have set foot in this place.
Chu Qingying was especially warm and attentive to Duan Mingxi today, eagerly introducing her to the other young ladies present:
Li Peilan, from Duke Cao’s family, a cousin of the Crown Prince.
Zhang Yaojun, eldest granddaughter of Chancellor Zhang, a cousin of the Second Prince, Jin Wang.
Liu Yunhua, from Duke Rong’s family, Liu Yan’s younger sister.
He Wanyi, from Marquis Xingan’s family, whose elder sister He Wanyu was married to Jin Wang.
Among them were many other familiar faces, all people Duan Mingxi had known in her past life.
Duan Mingxi wore a riding outfit that day—white with red trim, her multicolored silk belt accentuating her slim waist. The outfit highlighted her graceful neck and slender limbs, exuding an air of heroic beauty and vibrant charm.
At Yao Yunyi’s flower banquet, rumors about Duan Mingxi had already spread, making many curious about this young lady recently reclaimed by the Marquis manor.
Upon seeing her today, their first impression was: Wow, stunning and eye-catching.
After talking to her, they thought: Hmm, this girl is interesting. She seems aloof but speaks quite well.
Reflecting on the interaction, they were left wondering: Wait, wasn’t she raised in a merchant family? How does she know so much and hold her own in any conversation?
As their thoughts shifted, so did their perception of Duan Mingxi. No longer just an unrefined merchant’s daughter, she became someone of substance—a young woman of good manners, sharp insight, and a hidden depth, with a hint of defiant spirit.
Duan Mingxi didn’t care how others viewed her. After walking a round with Chu Qingying, she thanked her for the introductions.
Chu Qingying chuckled lightly and said, “It’s no big deal. Sooner or later, you’ll meet everyone—it just takes some extra talking.”
Duan Mingxi glanced at Chu Qingying, sensing something unusual about her. It was as if Chu Qingying had suddenly grown particularly close to her overnight.
Chu Qingying’s elder sister was Yu Wangfei, and her stepmother, Madam He, was the aunt of Jin Wangfei.
In the past, Xian Wang and Jin Wang had contended for power but were defeated. Madam He took advantage of the situation to claim the title of Shizi to Marquis Jingyuan and forced Chu Qingying into marrying a widower.
When two kings fight, one must fall.
In her previous life, Chu Qingying had a poor relationship with her stepmother and fought bitterly over the title of shizi to Jingyuan Marquisate. In the end, she was schemed against by Madam He and married to widower Xie Jingyang.
As Duan Mingxi was deep in thought, Jin Wangfei’s little sister, He Wanyi, and Jin Wang’s cousin, Zhang Yaojun, approached.
The web of connections here is truly intricate.
“I heard from Chu Qingying that Miss Duan excels in horseback riding. How about a competition today?”
Duan Mingxi turned to face He Wanyi.
He Wanyi tilted her head slightly, wearing an expression of disdain that clearly showed she didn’t think much of Duan Mingxi.
Chu Qingying immediately stepped forward and sneered, “He Wanyi, what are you showing off here? If you’re so capable, let’s see who can hunt more game today. Don’t end up crying like last time.”
“Who cried? That was just an accident last time!” He Wanyi retorted angrily, her face flushed.
The rivalry between He Wanyi and Chu Qingying was well-known, and they were naturally at odds.
But Duan Mingxi hadn’t expected He Wanyi to humiliate Chu Qingying by targeting her, nor had she anticipated that Chu Qingying, who had a poor reputation in her previous life, would stand up for her in this one.
“Miss He, this is our first meeting. A competition might sour our relationship,” Duan Mingxi said with a gentle smile. “Why not compete as Chu Qingying suggested and see who can bring back more game?”
Duan Min and Duan Rong, standing closely behind Duan Mingxi, were emboldened by their older sister’s support despite their lower status compared to He Wanyi and Chu Qingying.
He Wanyi gave Duan Mingxi a deep look before letting out a cold laugh. “Fine. We’ll see about that later.”
She then left with Zhang Yaojun, who nodded politely to Duan Mingxi before departing.
Chu Qingying looked at Duan Mingxi apologetically. “It’s my fault for dragging you into this. He Wanyi and I have always been at odds.”
“No matter, I’ve just returned to the capital, so it’s natural for everyone to be curious about me,” Duan Mingxi said nonchalantly. Today’s competition? Who knows if I’ll even make it back unscathed.
Responding verbally costs nothing, after all.
The exchange between He Wanyi and Duan Mingxi didn’t escape the notice of many present. In the distance, a woman in white slowly withdrew her gaze and slightly turned her head to speak to the woman beside her: “It seems my aunt’s keen insight wasn’t wrong. Miss Duan is indeed no ordinary person.”
The speaker was Qiao Renshu, niece of the Duan family’s Second Madam Duan, addressing An Qiuzhuo, niece of the Third Madam Duan.
Since their families were intertwined through marriage, it was common to gather on such occasions.
“Come, let’s go say hello,” An Qiuzhuo suggested with a smile. Not going over would be impolite, especially since Duan Min and Duan Rong were both present.
As Qiao Renshu and An Qiuzhuo approached, Duan Min and Duan Rong quickly greeted them.
“Cousin.”
“Cousin.”
Hearing this, Duan Mingxi turned her head, and Duan Min hurriedly introduced her to them.
Duan Mingxi smiled warmly and said, “So, these are my cousins. Forgive my oversight; I hope you’ll excuse me.”
Qiao Renshu smiled back and said, “We just came over from that side and arrived a bit late. Please don’t hold it against us, Miss Duan.”
Just then, Chu Qingying was called away by someone, and An Qiuzhuo leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “You needn’t worry, Miss Duan. Miss He and Miss Chu have never gotten along. Their quarrels are frequent and have nothing to do with you.”
Duan Mingxi’s eyes flickered, and she responded with a smile, “I’ve only just arrived in the capital, so I’m not too familiar with these entanglements.”
As people continued to mingle in small groups, An Qiuzhuo quietly explained the gist of the grievances between the two, finally concluding, “The matter involves two Wangyes from the palace. We must tread carefully. They have familial backing, so even if they clash violently, they’ll have someone to support them. People like us should just steer clear.”
Seeing how attentively Duan Mingxi was listening, Qiao Renshu added, “Avoiding them isn’t about fear, but simply about not inviting unnecessary trouble.”
After all, this young lady had recently offended both Duke Zhen’s household and Duke Gao’s household but managed to emerge unscathed.
From their own aunt’s accounts, they knew that while Duan Mingxi appeared gentle and composed, her actions were decisively bold and ruthless.
Given their interconnected family ties, it wouldn’t hurt to look out for one another today.
Duan Mingxi expressed her gratitude sincerely, “Thank you for clearing things up. I understand now. I’ll be careful not to overstep and unintentionally offend anyone. Later, I’ll host a banquet to express my thanks to the two of you—don’t decline.”
Qiao Renshu and An Qiuzhuo readily agreed. This Duan Mingxi didn’t seem quite like the person their aunt had described—perhaps she was worth befriending after all.
Suddenly, someone called out, “They’re here!”
Following everyone’s gaze, Duan Mingxi’s expression momentarily stiffened.
Her eyes settled on Liu Yan in the distance, whose face was brimming with joy. Quietly, she sighed inwardly.
Poor thing. Little does he know, disaster is about to strike today.
